At the closing of Matariki Kaumatua Extravaganza 2008 Kaumatua formed a National Trust for Kaumatua by Kaumatua for the continuation of Maori Performing Arts for Kaumatua. Pae Ruha O.N.Z.M., Q.S.M one of the first members of the Polynesian Festival Committee that started in 1972, now Te Matatini gave the name “He Kura Te Tangata” (The human being is precious). It attests to the fact, that in the Māori world, each individual is recognised for their intrinsic value as well as their contribution to the well being of the group. This was taken from Ngā Pepeha a Ngā Tīpuna, a famous collection of proverbs and sayings from all around Aotearoa Kiritokia E Te Tomairangi Paki, o Te whare Ariki, Te Manu Taupua is the Patron. She is the founding leader of the Kapa Haka group Taniwharau of the Waikato Region and performs in the Kaumatua Kapa Haka “He Kura Ki Waikato” This was one of the visions of her late mother Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu (Maori Queen) had for Maori Performing Arts. The inaugural trustees are Tama Huata Chair (Ngāti Kahungunu), Pae Ruha (Te Whānau a Apanui), Mamae Takerei (Waikato-Tainui), Julie Dwyer (Te Whakatōhea) and Aroha Reriti-Crofts (Ngāi Tahu, Moriori. The National Coordinator is Puti Mackey (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Tama). He Kura Te Tangata has accepted an invitation from Te Papa to perform on 11-12 July 2009 to close the Matariki (Māori New Year) Festival at the national museum. They have also accepted the invitation from “He Kura Ki Waikato” to have the next annual festival at Waikato, February 2010.  Courtesy of Te Papa Tongarewa: www.tepapa.govt.nz |